Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Container Candle Craze

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I walked to the grocery store and bought 12 mason jars to make container candles.

They only cost eight dollars and I like the fact that they have lids so you can put them back on when you’re not using them. That way the scent doesn’t leech out faster than you would like.

They’re one of the easiest candles to make especially when your wicks are pretabbed wicks  and you have these wick stickums to hold them down. They’re two sided round stickers that stick to the tabs so they don’t fly all over the place.

I made vanilla and jasmine scented container candles. To color the vanilla I added about a quarter of a brown dye chip to a pound of soy wax and for the jasmine, I added half a red once they heated up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.

For the scent, I used solid concentrated scent from Yardley. It says to add an eighth or more so I used a third, since I’m sick of having weak scented candles. We will see how that goes.

I used a little over two pounds of wax and that ended up making three container candles. Since I only had a bit of vanilla and jasmine scented wax left over I made a layered candle with the last one and I think it turned out pretty. This time I was patient and waited for the first layer to completely cool.

I have nine more jars to go and I was going to make some with lavender essential oil but since it’s one in the morning here, I think I will leave them for another day.

Have you read?

Hubcap Creatures: Transforming Roadside Finds into Sculptural Wildlife

Hubcap Creatures is the creative project of British sculptor Ptolemy Elrington, who has transformed discarded hubcaps into captivating sculptures of wildlife. Operating from Brighton, Elrington has been crafting these unique pieces since the late 1990s, turning everyday automotive debris into stunning representations of animals from the natural world.

The artistic process behind Elrington’s sculptures is centered around recycling and upcycling. The hubcaps he uses are typically found on the side of the road and often show signs of wear, including scratches and dents. Elrington believes that these imperfections add character and depth to his creatures, making each piece truly one of a kind.

His work spans a wide range of animals, including foxes, fish, and birds, with each sculpture thoughtfully crafted to showcase the unique features of the materials. The brand logos, grooves, and markings found on the hubcaps often contribute to the creature’s expression and structure, giving them a distinct, textured look.

Elrington’s Hubcap Creatures have been showcased in various exhibitions, both in the UK and internationally. His innovative approach has gained recognition for its creativity and environmental awareness, demonstrating how discarded materials can be transformed into meaningful art.

For art enthusiasts or collectors, Elrington offers a mix of available sculptures and custom commissions, allowing individuals to bring home a piece of this upcycled art. Hubcap Creatures stands as a brilliant example of how creativity can breathe new life into the most unlikely of materials, all while promoting sustainability.